Obituary for Jo Ann Henson (Johnson)
Jo Ann Henson, 84, passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the home of her sister, in Olive Branch, MS. Jo Ann was born in Lodi, MS, on November 15, 1937, to Lillie Oglesby Johnson.
Her life was big, funny, hard, complicated, and triumphant. Jo Ann had an effervescent personality, with a gravitational pull and a “star” quality, that made you want to be close to her. She loved deeply, and in the end, she felt the same love had been returned to her in ways that she couldn’t believe. Jo Ann was rich in ways other people could only dream. She lived fiercely, without regret, and her wit was on display, right up to the very end.
Left behind to cherish her memory is her loving family, which includes her daughters, Pamela Boykin (Gary) of Senatobia, MS, Retha Gayle Mabry, of Clinton, MS; one son, David Henson, of Hernando, MS; two sisters, Donnie Grisham (David) of Olive Branch, MS and Sherrie Todd (Ken) of Collierville, TN; five grandchildren, Reggie Abaeo, of New Orleans, LA, Drew Vanderford and Summer Flanagan (Lyle) of Senatobia, MS, Becky Smith (Wade) of Senatobia, MS and Jason Payne (Jenn) of Holt, MO; six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. Jo Ann was proceeded in death, by her beloved son, Russell Vanderford, granddaughter, Charity Abaeo, and great- grandson, Dustin Wilkie, and her mother.
No public memorial has been planned at this time. Ray-Nowell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Henson’s arrangements.
Her life was big, funny, hard, complicated, and triumphant. Jo Ann had an effervescent personality, with a gravitational pull and a “star” quality, that made you want to be close to her. She loved deeply, and in the end, she felt the same love had been returned to her in ways that she couldn’t believe. Jo Ann was rich in ways other people could only dream. She lived fiercely, without regret, and her wit was on display, right up to the very end.
Left behind to cherish her memory is her loving family, which includes her daughters, Pamela Boykin (Gary) of Senatobia, MS, Retha Gayle Mabry, of Clinton, MS; one son, David Henson, of Hernando, MS; two sisters, Donnie Grisham (David) of Olive Branch, MS and Sherrie Todd (Ken) of Collierville, TN; five grandchildren, Reggie Abaeo, of New Orleans, LA, Drew Vanderford and Summer Flanagan (Lyle) of Senatobia, MS, Becky Smith (Wade) of Senatobia, MS and Jason Payne (Jenn) of Holt, MO; six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. Jo Ann was proceeded in death, by her beloved son, Russell Vanderford, granddaughter, Charity Abaeo, and great- grandson, Dustin Wilkie, and her mother.
No public memorial has been planned at this time. Ray-Nowell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Henson’s arrangements.